Foreign domestic helper accommodation and driving arrangement

Employers often seek foreign domestic workers to ease household burdens and provide care for family members. Common tasks include cleaning, cooking, and looking after children or seniors. Some wonder if helpers can also drive, particularly to school. In tight living spaces like in Hong Kong, affording a helper doesn't guarantee extra rooms, prompting questions about living room accommodations.

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Foreign Domestic Helper QA Vol. IV

Designated doctor/Job-hopping/unfinished of policy/overlap of coverage between home insurance and foreign domestic helper insurance

In episode IV, we will share information about designated doctors and medical card arrangements, handling methods for job-hopping on insurance, refunds for unfinished policies, and areas where home insurance overlaps with foreign domestic helper insurance.

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Blacklist of Employment Agencies 2024 Common Violations

In Hong Kong, the Labour Department updates an annual blacklist of employment agencies for foreign domestic workers, helping the public identify agencies issued warnings. With varied agency quality, caution is advised when hiring. We'll share common warnings from the latest 2024 list to highlight associated risks.

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How to handle suspicion of theft by a foreign domestic helper, and what is loyalty assurance?

In Hong Kong, theft by foreign domestic helpers is a widespread concern, with cases even involving celebrities like Angela Hui. Employers often rely on luck when hiring helpers through agencies, making theft prevention crucial. If theft is suspected, gather evidence discreetly and involve the police. Some insurance policies offer protection against such losses, but conditions vary.

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Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 3

Foreign domestic helper insurance may seem straightforward, but there are many details that could be missed if not careful. It's only when you really need to make a claim that you might discover it's not covered, leaving you in a difficult situation. In the Vol. 3 of our Q&A series about foreign domestic helper insurance, we'll share information about the reimbursement limits and total caps for clinical expenses, the correct policyholder, policy effective/waiting periods, and job-hopping protection.

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Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 2

Questions about foreign domestic helper insurance are numerous every day. Therefore, we have launched a new series - "foreign domestic helpers insurance Q&A," compiling questions related to insurance for foreign domestic helpers. The content of the second episode includes outpatient, inpatient, and surgical expenses, loyalty assurance, exclusions, and how to claim.

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Can employers issue a Warning Letter to foreign domestic helpers and even terminate their employment immediately?

If you browse various foreign domestic helper discussion forums or social media groups, you will find numerous complaints about the work performance and attitude of foreign domestic helpers. While there are many FDHs who perform well, grievances are usually shared only when unpleasant incidents occur. If a mistake occurs for the first time, it is advisable to communicate politely and give the FDH a chance to improve. However, can employers issue a Warning Letter to FDH and even terminate their employment immediately?

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Taking the foreign domestic helper on a trip - Does the foreign domestic helper insurance cover it?

Hong Kong people love to travel, but in the past two years, due to the raging pandemic, most countries have implemented entry restrictions or even banned entry. Now the restrictions are all gone, it's time to start planning trips again! If you have a foreign domestic helper at home, some employers may invite them to travel. Does the foreign domestic helper insurance cover their travel? What else should be considered?

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Foreign Domestic Helper Q&A Vol. 1

Topic about Coverage, Costs, Third-Party Liability & Dental Expenses

Hong Kong people are very busy, and many families have both parents working. Not everyone has the luxury of extended family support for childcare or the time and energy to cook and clean after work. As a result, many opt to solve these issues by hiring a foreign domestic helper(FDH). Securing a comprehensive foreign domestic helper insurance not only safeguards the helper but also protects the employer's wallet. Below are common questions and answers regarding foreign domestic helper insurance.

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Salary calculation methods for long service payment and contract termination for foreign domestic helper

In a previous article, we shared the arrangements for terminating contracts with foreign domestic helpers, along with details about other salary and insurance arrangements. However, we did not elaborate on the qualification criteria and calculation methods for end-of-contract, termination, or payment in lieu of notice, as well as the calculation of long-service payment. The question arises: do foreign domestic helpers qualify for long-service payment if they resign? In this two-part series, we will introduce relevant information and methods.

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Employer's immigration and foreign domestic helper contract arrangements

If an employer is planning to move abroad but has an existing contract with a foreign domestic helper (FDH) that has not yet concluded, how should the employer handle the situation? Should they terminate the contract, transfer it to a family member, find someone else to take over, or consider relocating with the FDH? Depending on the circumstances, employers need to consider the following arrangements.

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Smart Renewal Service - Online visa applications for foreign domestic helpers

If you have ever passed by the Wan Chai Immigration Tower, you would notice a large group of foreign domestic helpers(FDHs) waiting and lining up. The reason they are there is to apply for extension of their work visa. Instead of having a long queue, it's better to try the latest online visa application service, known as "Smart Renewal," allowing you to apply from the comfort of your home.

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Are there limits on the working hours of foreign domestic helpers?

There was an incident involving the sudden death of a foreign domestic helper at home has prompted an investigation few months ago. Representatives from the Immigration Department and the Labour Department participated in the inquiry, point out some information related to the working hours of foreign domestic helpers. Is there a limit to the working hours for domestic helpers, and what are the consequences for abusive employers?

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Understanding the regulations for foreign domestic helpers' holidays

Foreign domestic helpers come to Hong Kong from their hometowns to work and earn a living. As an employer, it is essential to provide them with holidays in accordance with the Employment Ordinance. Apart from safeguarding the physical health of domestic helpers, adequate rest is also beneficial for their mental well-being. Allowing them time off enables them to explore, connect with fellow compatriots, alleviate homesickness, and recharge for future work. Understanding and appropriately scheduling foreign domestic helpers' holidays are crucial to prevent work-related stress from accumulating. Failure to grant holidays may result in legal violations and fines for employers. It is important to familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations regarding domestic helpers' time off.

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Understanding Foreign Domestic Helper Insurance: Work Arrangements During Typhoon and Insurance Commencement Day

Every year in Hong Kong, there are typhoons, and there may even be Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, granting everyone a day off. What if Typhoon Signal No. 8 coincides with the rest day of your foreign domestic helper (FDH)? Additionally, when exactly does the insurance coverage for FDHs commence?

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Foreign domestic workers causing damage in public places: Is the employer responsible?

There was news about a child accompanied by family members accidentally knocked over a valuable figure worth tens of thousands of dollars while browsing a toy store. The figure immediately fell and was damaged. As a result, the store staff claimed that the child had kicked it and demanded compensation. The parents promptly accepted responsibility and provided compensation. However, later it was discovered through online videos that the facts were not as stated by the staff, leading to a controversy. If we change the scenario to a foreign domestic worker employed by you instead of the child, as the employer, would you be responsible for the actions of the domestic worker?

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